Named Rough Trade’s album of the month and supported by a flurry of release-week shows, Get Real has been a long time coming for the Church Village Collective, better known as CVC. Guitarists David Bassey and Elliot Bradfield reflect on it all with Emma Way – and confess some animosity for daytime TV. 

What’s the initial reception been like for your debut album Get Real?

David Bassey: Overwhelmingly positive. This is the first time since starting the band that I haven’t been able to keep up with the amount of social media stuff and reviews – I usually read them all but I can’t anymore! So thank you to everybody who said nice things.

Elliot Bradfield: It’s nice to hear from someone else other than my parents that it’s a great album.

How long ago did you record the album?

Elliot: We probably had it wrapped up by about August 2022. It was a pretty quick process – I think we had like 80% of it done in June – but it was a slog to finish because jobs had started to come back [after lockdown]. I kind of didn’t want it to end because it was so much fun. There are just so many vocals on the album that you just wanted to add more on. We wanted to double-track each of those additional vocals – that was definitely the thing that took the longest.

Who were the kinds of artists you look to for that harmony inspiration?

Elliot: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, that’s our go-to. The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Loads of retro 60s/70s stuff.

David: The Eagles as well.

Elliot: There’s not a lot of harmony-rich music coming out now.

Has there been any initial opinion you had of the record that’s changed since you first recorded it?

Elliot: I actually stopped listening to it for ages – towards the end of the recording I’d been listening to it so much that every minute detail and idiosyncrasy was just driving me nuts. I think I’ve come to appreciate it again.

David: Me and Elliot spent the most time producing, mixing and going over takes – I think we’ve been exposed to a little bit more than the others – and I was the same as Elliot; I was like, I can’t listen to it anymore. I’d listened to everything soloed, and all the instrumentals, over and over again. I think we got a little too close to it for comfort! But we’ve taken a step back, and obviously released it. I think part of the charm of the album is the fact that it’s very DIY – very stick the mic on, record and go.

Elliot: In our own way, I think we managed to craft something that is good, considering it was made in my living room.

I’ve got a list of things and I want you to tell me if they’re in or out for you in 2023…

Daytime TV?

Both: Out.

Guitar solos?

Both: In.

Crocs?

Elliot: In.

Dave: Out.

CDs?

Elliot: In. 

Dave: Out. I don’t like CDs. I don’t like plastic cases they come in; they always get broken. I’m a vinyl or online listener.

Reunion tours?

Elliot: In, just because I would love to go and see Fleetwood Mac.

Dave: I think in. If you still love it and still have the passion, you should still be able to show the world your music. Age is just a number you know.

Why did you release separate mixes for Good Morning Vietnam?

Dave: That came about because our manager came into the studio and was like, “Boys, I think you should record GMV for radio. It’s gonna be a big single.” It’s got that disco walking bassline and our primitive methods of recording didn’t quite do that justice.

Elliot: We could have easily recorded the album again – I think it probably would have taken the production to the next level, but it would have lost the magic of my living room.

Are there any parallels between being in CVC and any other part of your life that you didn’t expect?

Elliot: My general approach to life is maybe altered slightly; I’m a bit more easy-going with things. You need to be when you’re in a band with six people, because there’s lots of opinions and lots of different energies always circulating. There’s definitely a balance you need to find. My approach everyday has been positive because I’ve got something great going on in my life, which is the band, and that’s allowed me to feel good.

Dave: The main thing for me is the professionality. When we started, we used to go to the gigs and we’d go on stage half-cut, and after we’d go to a party and stay up until 4am. I’m not treating it as a hobby anymore. I’m treating it as a way to have a successful career.

Elliot: Yeah – we’ve all got this baby to take care of now, which is CVC. You can’t take care of a baby if you slap yourself in the face every day.

CVC’s Get Real is out now. Info: cvcband.com

words EMMA WAY